Penguin Travel

Unique combination of walking and mountain biking routes, revealing the best of the Western Balkan Mountains landscapes, Karst formations, caves, gorges, waterfalls, monasteries, historical landmarks, eco-trails, rare flora and fauna, and nature reserves. We explore on foot and on a bike saddle the hidden trails in the alpine meadows of the mountains, the old Beech forests, the sinister caves with amazing stalactites and not the least the local traditions, cuisine and habits. This is a truly unforgettable adventure, varied in many ways and especially created to show you the best of this amazing part of the Balkan Mountains.

Tour highlights:

• Splendid natural landscapes of the unknown Western Balkan Mountains
• 4 Bulgarian monasteries dating back from 12-17 century
• 2 of the most beautiful and famous caves in Bulgaria
• 2 of the highest waterfalls in Bulgaria
• The unique rock phenomena Belogradcishki skali and the medieval fortress Kaleto
• Beautiful small mountain towns with quiet local life
• Picturesque eco trails in stunning natural surroundings
• 2 pristine natural reserves
 

Download our trip-dossier as PDF

Departure dates:
15 May 2010
19 June 2010
17 July 2010
07 August 2010
11 September 2010
02 October 2010

Country region:   Western Balkan Mountains

Price without flight ticket:    540 EUR

Itinerary:

Day 1. Meeting at Sofia airport. Transfer to the city centre for overnight.

Day 2. Exploration of the majestic cliffs of Iskar Gorge in the Balkan Mountains. Hiking on the famous Vazov eko trail passing under one of the highest waterfalls in Bulgaria – Bovska Skaklia and to the edge of the cliffs of Zasele village with splendid view towards Iskar valley. We get on the bikes and start cycling on a nice isolated asphalt road for  passing through Zimevitsa and Zanoge village continue on a panoramic gravel road descending to Lakatnik region. We finish at Zhitoliub karst spring and the nearby small restaurant where we can have lunch. After that we do a short hike to the splendid Lakatnik rocks.  Transfer to Vratsa for overnight with a quick stop at the picturesque Cherepish Monastery on the way. (hiking: 5km, uphill/downhill: 300/130m; biking: 20km, uphill/downhill: 200/600)

Day 3. Hike to Skaklia waterfall (the highest impermanent waterfall in Bulgaria -141m) and to the top of the rocks to a karst field with great panoramic views. We descend on a steep path in a nice beech forest to the Vratsata rock phenomenon. Short transfer brings us to Ledenika cave for a visit and lunch. Biking on nice panoramic gravel and asphalt road from Parshevitsa place to Vrashets town via Milanovo village. Overnight in Varshets spa resort.  (hiking: 5km, uphill/downhill: 300/350m; biking: 35km, uphill/downhill: 150/1000)

Day 4. Transfer to Petrohan pass, visiting Klisurski Monastery on the way. From the pass we ride downhill towards the town of Berkovitsa on a nice dirt road up to an altitude of 1650 m with fine panoramas to the Western Balkan Mountains massifs. Overnight in Berkovitsa. (biking: 40km, uphill/downhill: 300/1200m)

Day 5. Transportation to Kopreh hut. En-route we visit the Lopushanski Monastery. Hiking on the beautiful Kopren eco-trail with numerous waterfalls, water cascades and interesting rock formations. Then we continue on bikes on a nice dirt road through picturesque meadows to the town of Chiprovtsi for overnight. (hiking: 5km, uphill/downhill: 400/350m; biking: 12km, uphill/downhill: 100/300)

Day 6. Transfer to Belogradchik. On the way we visit Chiprovski Monastery. Highlight of the day are Belogradchik fortress and Belogradchik Rocks phenomena. We explore them on a bike. In the afternoon we visit Magurata Cave. Overnight in Belogradchik. (hiking: 3km, uphill/downhill: 60/70m; biking: 15km, uphill/downhill: 300/300)

Day 7. Hike in Chuprene Reserve puts the end of the active part of the tour. Transfer to Sofia. Free time for sightseeing and overnight. (hiking: 7km, uphill/downhill: 200/180m)

Day 8. Transfer to Sofia airport for departure.

Included in the price: accomodation in family-run pensions and guesthouses with en-suite facilities, 7 days on halfboard (breakfast & dinner included).mountain bike (helmets are provided upon request only); English-speaking guide; driver with a supporting vehicle; transfers from/to Sofia or Plovdiv airport and all ground transfers as per itinerary; VAT and all local taxes (entrance fees not included).

Not included: flights, travel insurance, tips, entrance fees, alchohol drinks, other personel expenses.

Other expenses: single supplement: 75 euro; rent of a helmet: 10 euro/week; rent of a rear saddlebag: 10 euro/week; rent of a handle-bar bag: 5 euro/week.

Good to know:    
Bikes: hardtail mountain bike “RAM” with 24 gears, 80mm front suspension fork and Sram components.

Walking specifics: we walk on nice trekking paths or eco trails with moderate level of diffuculty and rocky terrain at some stages. Walking on the eco trails includes climbing up and down wooden stairs and footpaths.

Biking terrain: we use mainly dirt and macadam roads and some asphalt roads. Routes are with moderate to difficult level of difficultiy with short uphills and mainly flat and downhill biking. Short but steep descends on rocky roads included. Most of the days offer an option for easier biking routes.

Necessary equipment: We strongly reccomend you to bring a helmet and cycling gloves (helmets can be rented from us upon request).

Extension at the Black Sea coast: we have a unique proposal, which gives you the opportunity to stay on a sea holiday for extra week after your active tour at an incredibly low price in Sozopol, Nessebar, Sunny Beach, Lozenets, St. Vlas, Golden Sands etc. and all this with arranged transportation right after your tour and before your departure flight. For more information please check "Vacation extensions" below.

Low cost flights to Bulgaria: Wizz Air - http://wizzair.com/; Easy Jet - http://www.easyjet.com/; Germanwings - http://www.germanwings.com/; Penguin Travel – http://www.flybulgarien.dk/; Norwegian Air Shuttle - http://www.norwegian.no/ Cimber - http://www.cimber.com/; Airberlin - http://www.airberlin.com; Ryan Air - http://www.ryanair.com/

Recommended travel period of the year:  May - October

Links to additional information:   
http://www.cyclingbulgaria.com Road cycling and mountain biking in Bulgaria, Romania, Greece, Croatia
http://www.walkingbulgaria.com Guided and self-guided mountain hiking vacations in Bulgaria

Tour difficulty:   B  - C 

Moderate/Difficult. - Tour for experienced hikers and bikers.

Group Size:   min. 4 pax

Vacation Extensions:
Rila-Pirin Mountain Trek (Bulgaria), guaranteed departures
Sozopol (Bulgaria)
Sunny Beach (Bulgaria)
Nessebar (Bulgaria)

Reservation System Code: BGCYKWEST